Sam:
First, let me qualify as a staunch advocate AGAINST social media. The “relationships” that exist in that climate are artificial, and can do nothing except interfere with real ones.
Social media does not cause divorces. Misuse of it does. And misuse of cell phones, landline phones, alcohol, and a host of other things also “cause” divorce. Perhaps if we examine this, we’ll see what is semantics, and what is real.
One’s spouse must be #1 in his/her life. Anything that pushes the spouse to #2 risks the viability of the marriage. Here are examples of things that threaten #1 status:
* Any real or pseudo relationships.
* Parents and family.
* Mind altering chemicals, such as alcohol or drugs.
* Mind altering behaviors, eating disorders, gambling, shopping, etc.
* Compulsive involvement in one’s yeshiva or chassidus.
* Indulgence in travel, luxuries, etc.
* Workaholism
* Addictive patterns of technology use, including phones, computers, internet access, including gaming and schmutz
Many of the above are never good, but tolerable in moderation. Others, such as family, can be a wonderful thing – just a disaster when placed before the marriage.
No, I do not like social media. So many aspects of it are fake. Pseudo relationships, addictive overuse, the trashing of boundaries, notions that every communication requires a response, etc. But the misuse of it that places it before the wife or husband is the killer of the marriage. And many things can be used that way.